Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • Back-to-School Guide for Families with Complex Healthcare Needs

    The Child Neurology Foundation has curated a resource page to help families with complex healthcare needs navigate the school year.

    Topics include:

    • Tips and Strategies for a Smooth School Year
    • Mental Health and School
    • IEP and 504 Resources
    • Medicaid Expansion in Schools

  • Birth to Five Illinois

    Birth to Five Illinois is a network of action and parent councils working to improve access to high-quality, sustainable Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services statewide. Birth to Five listens to families’ needs and helps them learn about and connect with local services. It also helps communities statewide build and sustain inclusive, high-quality Early Childhood services for all children and families.

    Birth to Five Illinois has 39 regions throughout the state. Each region has its own Family Council and Action Council. Early Intervention (EI) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) are critical parts of the ECEC system of support for children and families. Learn more about the councils, see the regional map and sign up for the Birth to Five Illinois newsletter.

     

  • Birth to Five Region 26

    BIrth to Five Region 26 serves Fulton, Hancock, McDonough and Schuyler counties. Birth to Five is a network of local councils that listen to families to identify community needs, build sustainable services, and help families connect to the help they need. Region 26 resources and information include:

  • Boyton Street Community Center

    Boyton Street Community Center in Marion provides children and their families opportunities for fun, learning, development and building self-esteem. The Center collaborates with local social service agencies to provide a variety of programs and services year-round. Programs at the Boyton Street Community Center include:

    • Nutritious meals built around keeping kids fit and healthy
    • An after-school program for children and youth in K-12
    • Summer art, recreation, reading and tutoring programs
    • Special events

    For more information or to learn how to enroll in a program, contact the Boyton Street Community Center at (618) 997-1113.

  • Bridgeway

    Bridgeway provides a wide range of programs for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in west-central and northern Illinois. Bridgeway offers a variety of person-centered programs that focus on greater choice, achieving independence and community participation. Bridgeway programs include:

    • Day services
    • Adult learning services
    • School-based counseling
    • Community living and supports
    • Employment programs
    • Substance use assessments and programs for youth and adults

  • C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation

    C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation (C.E.F.S.) is a non-profit that serves residents in the Illinois counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.

    C.E.F.S. aims to help economically and socially disadvantaged people become more self-sufficient. Its support and services include:

    • Summer youth program and college scholarships
    • Housing programs
    • Employment and training services
    • Education services
    • Food and utility assistance

    For more information, visit the C.E.F.S. website.

    You can also call (217) 342-2193 or email cefs@cefseoc.org​. Translation services are available.

  • C.I.T.Y. of Support

    Children in Therapy and You (C.I.T.Y.) of Support is an online and in-person community that supports all families navigating the needs of their child in therapy, regardless of diagnosis, age, therapeutic needs or overall situation. Information, resources and events are available online.

    C.I.T.Y. of Support includes members from all across Chicagoland. Local leaders help coordinate on-site events and opportunities within specific geographic regions. C.I.T.Y. programs include:

    • In-person and online events and classes
    • Celebrations and inclusive playgroups
    • NICU welcome kits
    • GENERO-C.I.T.Y. Toy Shop
    • Sensory-friendly photo shoots

    C.I.T.Y. of Support also sponsored the creation of the Accessibility Support Collection at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Children in therapy and their caregivers may borrow therapeutic toys/tools/print materials from the library to explore at home.

  • Candor Health Education

    Candor Health Education is a nonprofit organization that provides students, their trusted adults and communities programs and resources on puberty, sex education and substance abuse prevention.

    Candor Health Education also offers in-person and virtual presentations with age-appropriate, science-based information to help students make informed decisions and understand how these things can impact their health.

    For more information, call (630) 325-1900 or email info@candorhealthed.org.

  • CEDA: Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County

    CEDA: Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County offers a variety of services to families and individuals in need.

    Its programs include:

    • Utility bill assistance with gas, electric, water and furnace repair
    • Home weatherization providing long-term home repair solutions to reduce energy costs and make homes more energy efficient
    • Housing services including housing information counseling, education and advice for homebuyers, homeowners, renters and the homeless
    • Services for women, infants and children including food, education and support for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under age 5
    • Suburban Cook County student scholarship program

  • Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby

    The Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity (CAN) at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby provides a wide range of supports and services to empower diverse learners. CAN services include:

    CAN is on the Oglesby Campus in room C-211. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also make an appointment by contacting Tina Hardy at (815) 224-0284 or tina_hardy@ivcc.edu.